Diocesan Synod Elections

Diocesan Synod is our primary elected, representative body and brings people together across the Diocese. It holds the Diocesan Vision, drives mission, sets strategy, elects and appoints a range of positions on boards and committees and shapes priorities. It is also asked to approve the Diocesan budget presented to it by the Diocesan Board of Finance (DCT).

It may respond to questions put to it by the General Synod and is an advisory and deliberative body. It considers the important topics facing our diverse and unique Diocese and the wider Church.

It is a statutory institution which serves not only our Diocese but influences and helps to direct the National Church on matters of Church, public and Government policy. It also includes some mandatory governance items such as approval of the budget and the annual accounts.

The membership consists of three Houses: the House of Bishops; the House of Clergy; and the House of Laity. They come together to lead the Diocese, enable mission and serve the people of God.
The number of clergy and lay members in Diocesan Synod are broadly equal.

Diocesan Synod members will be elected in the summer of 2024 and serve a term of three years. Meetings are held in March, July and November.

Themes for the next three years will include clergy well-being in times of change, environment (including net zero carbon), continuing implementation of the Anti-Racism Charter, and parish finances for growth in post-pandemic recovery.

Diocesan Synods exist to serve the mission of the wider Church, to make strategic decisions, and to encourage the growth of mission and ministry in our Diocese. It is important that Diocesan Synod, as any representative body, broadly reflects the diversity of all our church members in gender, ethnic origin, age, experience and church tradition, and we welcome and encourage membership across all these groups.

We also need people to stand who have:

• Vision: Do you have a vision for a flourishing Church and a passion to work with others to share your Christian faith and deepen the discipleship of those around you?
• Commitment: Are you ready to seek God’s will through prayer
  and theological reflection, with a heart for growth, mission and engagement across boundaries?
• Openness: Are you open to trying new approaches while learning from others, embracing change and the bigger picture and to sharing inspiring feedback with your deanery, PCC and wider church family?
• Enthusiasm: Members of Synod are encouraged to speak and challenge confidently, enabling change whilst leading and encouraging others.
• Good communication: Do you have a listening ear? Are you receptive and open-minded and do you have the ability to share your passion? Members of Synod are ambassadors, both amongst themselves and asa bridge between the Diocese and the parishes.

Do you have – or could you develop – some of these qualities to serve our Diocese? If so, please consider standing as your deanery’s representative on Diocesan Synod.